MyTime Supporting Grandparents raising grandchildren
Any Grandparents who are the primary carers, whether by formal or informal arrangement of children up to age 18 are eligible to attend new support groups established throughout the state.
These support groups are called “MyTime for Grandparents” and will provide an opportunity for new groups of participants who don’t have many services developed just for them, to come together every few weeks to support one another, share ideas and learn more about the range of services in their areas.
The Parenting Research Centre is the national coordinator of MyTime for grandparents on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Playgroup Queensland is proud to be able to deliver this service to eight (8) regions throughout the state.
Today more grandparents are spending their retirement as the primary carer of their grandchildren as parents pass the responsibility of rearing children to the older generation. Evidence from a range of sources indicate that in Australia the number of grandparents raising grandchildren is growing substantially in line with international trends and most have had to give up their retirement plans in order to raise their grandchildren
Grandparents are often the unsung heroes as they struggle to meet not only the responsibility for their grandchildren’s well-being, but also the financial burden of raising grandchildren.
MyTime for grandparents, in a small way, provides support and friendship to people who previously haven’t needed services but now want advice, care and support.
To find out if there is a group in your area please call the above number or call the Time for Grandparents Program on 1300 135 500